Hotel Colorado Wedding Glenwood Springs Colorado

As you approach Hotel Colorado, you can't help but be captivated by its grand facade, reminiscent of a European castle. Designed by architect Theodore von Rosenberg, the hotel exudes a sense of grandeur and sophistication, with its intricate stonework, arched windows, and majestic turrets. Stepping through the ornate entrance, you're transported back in time to an era of opulence and refinement.

Upon entering the hotel, guests are greeted by the elegant lobby, adorned with classic furnishings, Persian rugs, and sparkling chandeliers. The atmosphere is one of timeless elegance, where every detail has been carefully curated to evoke a sense of luxury and comfort. Whether you're lounging in one of the plush armchairs or sipping a cocktail at the historic bar, you'll feel as though you've stepped into a scene from a bygone era. During the wedding of S + A we really wanted to encapsulate that classic hotel feeling in their portraits and all their formal images.

Getting Ready:

One of the highlights of a stay at Hotel Colorado is the opportunity to explore its rich history and storied past. Over the years, the hotel has played host to countless notable guests, including presidents, celebrities, and dignitaries. It's said that President Theodore Roosevelt was a frequent visitor to the hotel, often staying in the luxurious Roosevelt Suite, which has been meticulously preserved to this day. The groom got ready in the presidential suite and took me on a tour of the bell tower above where the deck overlooks the big mountain view that you come to Colorado to enjoy. No wedding day is complete without a little “how do I tie a bowtie” google search and a few youtube videos later! Ha. Seriously I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen this happen while getting ready.

First Look and Portraits:

One of my favorite things on a wedding day is when there’s enough time for breathing room where the bride and groom get time to see each other, take portraits, and actually feel like they are getting to relax with just each other. This day was so delicately planned with Grey Designs and Co that we had just that. Lots of time to just sit and enjoy the time spent with the couple where things didn’t feel rushed or forced. Playing around with the moody lighting in the historic hotel in the lobby was a task I absolutely loved and the timeless energy of their portraits is going to last a lifetime.

Before moving on to the ceremony we HAVE to talk about Stephanie’s bridal cape. Her dress being a very classic silhouette with clean lines looked absolutely stunning on it’s own. And then cue this bridal cape with beautiful embroidered detail on the back and cascading fabric down to the floor. I mean va va VOOM this was such a beautiful alternate to a veil and I loved how beautifully it floated behind her without pulling at her hair. This cape absolutely elevated her wedding look to infinity and beyond.

The Ceremony:

As guests arrive at Hotel Colorado for the winter wedding, they are greeted by the cozy warmth of the historic building's interiors. Because all the events of the day happen inside the hotel it' makes it a perfect location for a winter wedding. The vision for their ceremony was to be in an intimate space that was held in a dimly lit space, adorned with flickering candles and lush greenery, creating an atmosphere of intimacy and romance. The florals by Gather and Bloom felt like a gardenscape coming out of tree trunks and featured a unique bouquet for the bride. Florals cascaded from the ring that the bride held and Stephanie looked so classy and elegant as she walked down the aisle, with happy tears streaming down everyone’s cheeks, Aaron awaits her at the altar, his heart filled with anticipation and love.

Surrounded by their closest family and friends, the couple exchanges heartfelt vows, their words echoing through the candlelit space. As the ceremony concludes, the newlyweds share their first kiss as husband and wife, sealing their love in a moment that will be cherished forever.

The Reception:

After the ceremony, guests make their way to the main conference hall, where the reception awaits. The hall is transformed into a wonderland, with elegant florals and twinkling chandeliers adorning the space. Tables are draped in crisp white linens and some with blue floral patterns, accented with silver accents and shimmering candlelight, creating a scene straight out of a fairy tale. The floor to ceiling drapes along the front walls bring softness into the space and later provided an area to hide uplighting behind which sets the mood for different events throughout the night.

As guests take their seats, they are serenaded by the soft melodies of a live band, filling the air with music that sets the tone for the evening's festivities. The newlyweds make their grand entrance, greeted by cheers and applause from their loved ones, as they prepare to embark on a new chapter of their lives together. They sat at a sweetheart table and there was a moment where I took a break in my dinner to go check on them, finding them happily enjoying their meal alone in a sea of their friends and family, happily.

As the night unfolds, laughter fills the air, and memories are made on the dance floor as friends and family come together to celebrate love and joy. A big thank you from the couple to everyone for traveling out concludes into first dances. I love the way they did their parent first dances at the same time. Often you can play the song a little bit longer and you can really soak in the moment without sending one member of the couple off the dance floor at a time. The band kicked off the party playing classic hits and new ones so that people of every age could enjoy and dance. I could not believe how big of a dance crowd there was! I guess when there’s live music you can’t help but feel the FUNK. At the end of the night Stephanie did an outfit change and all I can say is PARTY and SPARKLE! She looked radiant and so much fun out busting a move with all her family and friends on the dancefloor.

Vendor Team:

Planner: Grey Designs & Co.

Photographer: Madeline J Studios

Music: Diamond Empire Band

Floral: Gather + Bloom

Rentals: Elite Events

Hair + Makeup: Mountain Bridal Artistry

Bakery: Sunshine + Moons